Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Fallen tree on Wilderness Water Treatment Works building

Mop-up operations have started in George following floods in parts of George that were caused by the torrential downpours since last night. The rain has subsided quite considerably; however, the George Disaster Management Services continue to advise members of the public to please drive with extreme caution today.

Rainfall over the past 24 hours
• Unconfirmed rainfall measured at the Botanical Gardens, 105mm
• Unconfirmed report rainfall measured at Buffelskop, catchment Area for Touws River, 180mm
• Unconfirmed report rainfall measured at Upper Touws River Water Weather Station, 110 mm
• Confirmed rainfall measured at Garden Route Dam, 100mm and Garden Route Dam is overflowing.
• Confirmed rainfall Uniondale, 85mm
• Confirmed rainfall Haarlem,70mm
• Confirmed Avontuur, 72mm

Temporary Road Closures
Four roads temporarily closed including Outeniqua Pass. Camphersdrift Road, CJ Langenhoven Street, Hope Street and King George Road. All roads have been reopened.

The second entrance to Waboomskraal was temporarily closed and caution was issued for water across the roadways between Oudtshoorn and the Outeniqua Pass.

We continue to urge motorists to drive with caution as the roads are wet and slippery. Please note, that the road surfaces remain wet, motorists are to proceed with caution and at reduced speed.

Areas flooded
• 17 – 20 houses have reported flooding – Areas include Hoekwil, Lawaaikamp, Borcherds, Rosedale, Blanco and Thembalethu Zone 4, 6 and 7
• Blanco Community Hall is currently housing approximately 25 people who were evacuated from Malgas Singel and Klaassen Street in Blanco
• House flooded in Uniondale; residents temporarily accommodated in Lyonville Community Hall
• Flood reporting along Touws River (Pirate’s Creek, Die Duin) following a delay in opening the river mouth
• Anchorage Lane, Wilderness – several homes flooded
• Ebb and Flow Camp Site has experienced minor flood conditions
• Flooding at Wilderness Civils Depot and Water Treatment Works. Damage is being assessed by Civil Engineering Services
• Fallen tree on Wilderness Water Treatment Works building being assessed and removed
• The river mouth has been opened by SANPARKS and is flowing correctly

Disruption to Service Delivery
• The Gwaing Landfill Site situated at R102 Airport Road has been closed, due to the inclement weather. The Waste Transfer Station remains operational.
• The collection of black refuse bags and recycling bags will resume later today. Green bags will not be collected due to the closure of the Gwaing landfill site.
• All planned vegetation maintenance is postponed for today.
• Planned power outages have been postponed for today.

Emergency Services remain on alert
Although the rainfall has decreased considerably, the George Disaster Management Services remain on standby to attend to any emergencies. The Municipality continues to monitor weather developments, and the public will be updated via George Municipal Social Media Channels.
Only travel, if necessary, DRIVE SLOWLY and do not attempt to drive through a body of water that is fast-moving.

AFTER-HOURS AND EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6300
TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

Issued George Municipality, 9 April 2024

George Disaster Management Services have advised that the Outeniqua Pass is closed to motorists with immediate effect due to excess water on the road surface. Traffic Officials will be stationed at the entrances from George and Oudtshoorn’s side.

Updates will be provided should the pass reopen for vehicles.

Issued George Municipality, 9 April 2024

George Disaster Management Services advises members of the public to please drive with extreme caution today. Several roads are semi-flooded in the George town area and outskirts.

Only travel if necessary, DRIVE SLOWLY and do not attempt to drive through a body of water that is fast-moving.

NAVIGATE WITH CAUTION
Klipdrif – road between Oudtshoorn and Outeniqua Pass
Waboomskraal – the second road is flooded
N2 touwsriver/ salinas. The road is being cleared of water and sand by SANRAL
Kaaimans remains open, with no major issues lot of water on the road
Langenhoven Street –

CLOSED
Hope Street
King George Road

Issued by George Municipality, April 9 @ 06:15

Due to heavy downpours, water is severely ponding (seeping upward from inside or below the surface) at the bottom section of York Street, R102 to the Go George Bus Depot. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid using this route if possible.

As a safety precaution against the floods, members of the public are urged to avoid being on the roads unless necessary. This applies to both motorists and pedestrians.

Issued George Municipality, 9 April @05:00

The George Municipality’s Disaster Management this morning warned that more heavy rains are expected this morning between 06:00 and 08:00 at its highest. With torrential rains throughout the past night, some areas have already been flooded including Courtnay and Hope Streets in the George.

We would like to ask the public to be cautious this morning, drive slowly, do not speed through water potholes, and follow law enforcement officials’ instructions. We also advise the community members, if possible, to delay their commute this morning to ease traffic congestion.

There is heavy mist in areas such as Kleinkrantz as you enter George, which can affect visibility, please take caution.

George Disaster Management Services are on standby to attend to any emergencies. The Municipality continue to monitor weather developments, and the public will be updated via George Municipal Social Media Channels.

AFTER-HOURS AND EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6300
TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

An unexpected power outage occurred at Cherry Maur Street in Pacaltsdorp. On investigation, electricians found a cable fault in the middle of the road. The electrician can only be able to open the road and do repairs tomorrow, 9 April. The power will remain off until repairs are completed tomorrow.

The Gwaing Builder Rubble and Garden Refuse site situated at R102 Airport Road will close on Tuesday 09 April 2024, due to the predicted heavy rains and inclement weather. The Waste Transfer Station remains operational. For enquiries, please contact the Community Services at 044 802 2900 during office hours.

Earlier today we reported power outages in parts of George including Conville and Parkdene. The Electrotechnical Services Department confirmed that all power supply has been restored.

The public is advised that George Fire Services will be undertaking Control Burns in and around the Garden Route Dam over the next month, subject to weather conditions including wind direction to avoid smoke over residential areas. These control burns must however take place to ensure the reduction of the fuel load of cleared alien vegetation. The public will be advised on the day of a Control Burn.
Fire Emergencies must be reported to 044 801 6311.

The South African Weather Services has issued a Yellow Level 4 weather warning. Heavy rainfall is predicted for the George area this afternoon at approximately 16:00. The Garden Route including the George area is expected to receive rainfall of up to 60mm with possible flash flooding.

George Disaster Management Services are on standby to attend to any emergencies. The Municipality continue to monitor weather developments, and the public will be updated via George Municipal Social Media Channels.

Motorists are warned to drive with caution due to heavy rainfall and mist which is affecting visibility.

The public is advised to avoid walking/ and or swimming and parking vehicles at any of the beaches as they could be affected by storm surges.

AFTER-HOURS AND EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6300
TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

There are unexpected power outages in Conville and Parkdene. An electrician was dispatched to investigate.

The Reconstruction of the Road and Cul-de-sac will have an impact on road users of Bank Street in George Industrial for the period from April 2024 to July 2024

PROJECT:
RECONSTRUCTION OF BANK STREET IN GEORGE INDUSTRIAL (KM 0.000 TO KM 0.159)

DESCRIPTION:
Reconstruction of the entire length of Bank Street (approximately 160m) including associated stormwater drainage.

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD:
2 April 2024 – 24 July 2024 (Weather permitting)

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
There will be accommodation of traffic on Bank Street due to the proposed construction works. There may be Municipal service disruptions during construction. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media.

WORKING HOURS:
Working hours will be from 07h00 to 18h00 Mondays to Fridays and 07h00 – 14h00 on Saturdays as may be needed from time to time.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
The reconstruction of Bank Street is envisioned to minimally impact the users of the road. Traffic accommodation plans will be implemented to ensure no major disruptions.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Can be made to prenolan@bmkgroup.co.za

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to all road users to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel.

Uniondale water treatment plant is currently experiencing operational difficulties. Operational teams are attending to the problem. The area of Lyonville will experience water outages. A water truck will roam the area. The estimated time of repair is unknown at this stage.

We are pleased to report that light rain has contributed to a decrease in temperatures and a reduction in fire intensity. As a result, the fire is now contained, with teams from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) fire and Working on Fire (WOF) remaining on-site to conduct mop-up operations and monitor the area throughout the night. The George firefighting team has safely returned to the station with all vehicles.

The George Municipality’s Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz, commends the team for their exceptional work and unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of communities and the protection of structures.

On Friday evening, 15 March 2024, mountain fires broke out in Haarlem, a small town on the eastern outskirts of the George Municipal precinct. The George Fire Brigade, along with the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire Services, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), and Working on Fire (WOF), promptly mobilised their firefighting teams to respond to the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage.

This morning, 16 March, firefighting crews conducted a full reconnaissance and subsequently deployed drones. Currently, the northwestern line against Haarlem town poses no threat to structures. Meanwhile, the southern line remains active, with ground crews diligently working to contain it. The northeasterly line is advancing towards orchards, prompting the George Fire team to mobilise in that direction. Additionally, the George Mobile Water tanker has been activated to provide water support to the firefighters.

Despite the fire’s intensity, the firefighting teams are effectively safeguarding all structures, ensuring their security. We will continue to provide updates on any developments regarding the situation.

For any emergencies, the George Fire Department can be contacted on Fire Emergencies: 044 801 6311 or After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300.

CIVIL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION WORK

The Upgrading of Schaapkop Pumpstation Portion 1 in Borcherds, from April 2024 to June 2025. The estimated construction duration is 14 months.

PROJECT:
UPGRADING OF SCHAAPKOP PUMP STATION & ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE PORTION 1

DESCRIPTION:
The construction work includes mechanical, electrical, and control & instrumentation works, as well as related civil and structural works in the pump station.
PROJECT PERIOD: April 2024 to June 2025.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Operational interruptions can be expected during the construction works of the pump station and the pipelines. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions and the effects thereof will be issued via social media.
WORKING HOURS: 07h00 to 17h00 Mondays to Fridays. Work may also take place on Saturdays from 07h00 to 14h00.

IMPACT:
The intended construction works will take place inside the sewage pump station site and an extension towards the south. The work area will be fully closed to the public throughout the construction period.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Mr Gerard de Swardt – 044 801 8000 (Ext 1571)

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the
public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period.

Municipal Plant of the Month – Ipomoea indica/alba/purpurea/hederifolia: All species have been classified as invasive in South Africa. Commonly they are known as the Morning Glory. Nearly all species of these plants are perennial and have tenacious vines bearing purple, blue, scarlet, white (moonflower) and pink flowers which open each morning and fade at night.

All Ipomoea tolerate a wide range of average to poor soil and sunny to partial shade conditions. The leaves are heart-shaped, bright green and sparsely hairy.
It spreads by seed.

Invasive status: Listed as a Category 1b (NEMBA), this creeper invades woodlands, waste areas, arable land, roadsides, riverbanks and coastal dunes. It is a habitat transformer as it scrambles over and competes with other species.
Control: It is extremely difficult to control. All plants must be systematically uprooted and destroyed. No specific herbicides are registered. Regular follow-up is essential.

References: www.invasives.org.za : www.sanbi.org :

The Gwaing River and River Mouth remain closed following a sewer spill into the river that was caused by a damaged Pipeline earlier this week. The damaged pipeline and electrical lines that were damaged by a service provider were subsequently repaired and are operational.

However, as a precautionary measure, the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Department is currently conducting water quality tests over the next few weeks until it can be confirmed that the river`s water quality meets the minimum requirements.

Until then the river remains closed.